Analysis device

ABSTRACT

An analysis device that includes a placement section, a pressing member, and a measurement member, has an analysis kit including a chip provided with a capillary through which a sample flows and a cartridge superimposed on the chip, and in which a liquid reservoir placed therein to enable a component present in sample can be measured in a state in which the chip and the cartridge have been fitted together. The analysis kit is placed on the placement section. The pressing member presses the analysis kit in a direction in which the cartridge is superimposed on the chip to sandwich the analysis kit between the pressing member and the placement section, and to fit the chip and the cartridge together. The measurement member that measures the component present in the sample in the analysis kit in which the chip and the cartridge have been fitted together.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2017-209709 filed on Oct. 30, 2017, theentire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to an analysis device.

BACKGROUND ART

An analysis device for analyzing a component present in a sample isdescribed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No.2012-093350, where a device in which component analysis is performed byinducing electrophoresis in the sample in a capillary within in a chip,and measuring transmitted light or reflected light from lightilluminated onto the sample.

In cases in which an analysis kit employed in such an analysis device isan analysis kit including the chip and a cartridge that has been filledin advance which liquid to be supplied to the chip, it is desirable forthe chip and the cartridge to be fitted together reliably withoutpositional misalignment therebetween.

SUMMARY

The present application is directed to an analysis kit provided with achip and a cartridge in which the chip and the cartridge are fittedtogether reliably.

One aspect of the present application is an analysis device into whichis placed an analysis kit including a chip provided with a capillarythrough which a sample flows and a cartridge superimposed on the chipand provided with a liquid reservoir, and in which a component presentin sample can be measured in a state in which the chip and the cartridgehave been fitted together. The analysis device includes a placementsection, a pressing member, and a measurement member. The analysis kitis placed on the placement section.

The pressing member presses the analysis kit placed on the placementsection in a direction in which the cartridge is superimposed on thechip to sandwich the analysis kit between the pressing member and theplacement section, and to fit the chip and the cartridge together. Themeasurement member measures the component present in the sample in theanalysis kit in which the chip and the cartridge have been fittedtogether.

The aspects enable the chip and the cartridge to be fitted togetherreliably in an analysis kit provided with the chip and the cartridge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating external configuration of ananalysis device of a first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an analysis kit employed foranalysis in an analysis device.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the analysis kit illustratedin FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section of the analysis kit, taken along line 4-4 inFIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating a guide-in section and the vicinitythereof inside the analysis device of the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a guide-in section and the vicinitythereof inside the analysis device of the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating a guide-in section and the vicinitythereof inside the analysis device of the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating a guide-in section and the vicinitythereof inside the analysis device of the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a guide-in section and thevicinity thereof inside the analysis device of the first exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a pressing member of theanalysis device of the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a cross-section illustrating a state in which a sealing filmhas been pierced by a piercing pin in the analysis device of the firstexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a front view illustrating a guide-in section and the vicinitythereof inside the analysis device of the first exemplary embodiment,and illustrating a state in which an analysis kit is tilted.

FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating a guide-in section and the vicinitythereof inside the analysis device of the first exemplary embodiment,and illustrating a state in which an analysis kit is tilted.

FIG. 14 is a front view illustrating a state in which an illuminationmember has been inserted into an analysis kit inside the analysis deviceof the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a front view illustrating a state in which an illuminationmember has been inserted into an analysis kit inside the analysis deviceof the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a front view illustrating a state in which a pressing memberhas pressed an analysis kit inside the analysis device of the firstexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an analysis kit in a state partwaythrough analysis of a sample by an analysis device.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an analysis kit in a state partwaythrough analysis of a sample by an analysis device.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an analysis kit in a state partwaythrough analysis of a sample by an analysis device.

FIG. 20 is a front view illustrating a state in which a power supplyprobe has been inserted into an analysis kit inside the analysis deviceof the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a plan view illustrating a state in which a power supplyprobe has been inserted into an analysis kit inside the analysis deviceof the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an analysis kit in a state partwaythrough analysis of a sample by an analysis device.

FIG. 23 is a cross-section illustrating a state in which a sealing filmhas been pierced by a piercing pin in an analysis device of a secondexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a cross-section illustrating a state in which a sealing filmhas been pierced by a piercing pin in an analysis device of a thirdexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a cross-section illustrating a state in which a sealing filmhas been pierced by a piercing pin in an analysis device of a fourthexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a cross-section illustrating a state in which a sealing filmhas been pierced by a piercing pin in an analysis device of a referenceexample.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS First Exemplary Embodiment

Explanation follows regarding an analysis device of a first exemplaryembodiment, with reference to the drawings. The analysis device of thefirst exemplary embodiment is, for example, a device used to analyze theamount of glycated hemoglobin present in blood. Blood is one example ofa sample, which is also referred to as a “specimen.” Glycated hemoglobinis one example of an analysis target of the analysis device.

External Configuration of the Analysis Device

As illustrated in FIG. 1, an analysis device 102 includes a casing 104.In the first exemplary embodiment, the casing 104 is formed in asubstantially rectangular box shape. In the following explanation, avertical direction, a width direction, and a depth direction of theanalysis device 102 are respectively indicated by an arrow U, an arrowW, and an arrow D. The arrow W direction, the arrow D direction, anddirections with both arrow W direction and arrow D direction componentsare all horizontal directions. The far side and near side in the depthdirection of the analysis device 102 are respectively indicated by anarrow DA and an arrow DB.

The casing 104 is provided with a touch panel not illustrated in thedrawings. A technician performing an analysis task is able to operatethe analysis device 102 by touching the touch panel while referring toinformation displayed on the touch panel.

The casing 104 is also provided with a printer not illustrated in thedrawings. The analysis device 102 is capable of printing analysisresults for a sample using the printer.

A near face 108 of the casing 104 is provided with an opening/closingcover 114. The opening/closing cover 114 is capable of sliding between aprojecting position illustrated by double-dotted dashed lines, in whichthe opening/closing cover 114 has been moved toward the near side by anopening/closing mechanism 116, and a loaded position illustrated by asolid line in which the opening/closing cover 114 has been moved towardthe far side so as to lie in the same plane as the near face 108. Whenthe opening/closing cover 114 is in the projecting position, a tray 118and the opening/closing cover 114 are exposed at the near side of thecasing 104. An analysis kit 42 containing a specimen or sample can beplaced on this tray.

Analysis Kit Configuration

As illustrated in FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, as an example, the analysis kit 42of the first exemplary embodiment has a structure including a chip 44and a cartridge 46. The analysis kit 42 is set on the tray 118 of theanalysis device 102 in a state in which the cartridge 46 is superimposedover the chip 44, with the arrow D1 side on the far side. In theanalysis kit 42, for convenience, the vertical direction, widthdirection, and depth direction in a state in which the analysis device102 has been set in the tray 118 are labeled with the arrow U, arrow W,and arrow D respectively. The far side and the near side of the analysiskit 42 are labeled with the arrow D1 and the arrow D2 respectively.

The chip 44 is formed by sticking together two plates, an upper plate44A and a lower plate 44B, that have the same external profile as eachother in plan view as viewed along the arrow A1 direction. In a state inwhich the plates 44A, 44B have been stuck to each other, the chip 44configures a plate shaped member. When the chip 44 is lying in ahorizontal state, the plate thickness direction of the chip 44 isaligned with a vertical direction. The cartridge 46 is superimposed onthe chip 44 in the vertical direction, namely in the plate thicknessdirection of the chip 44.

The chip 44 is formed with plural channels 48.

The cross-section profile of the channels 48, and the layout of thechannels 48 in plan view of the chip 44, are not limited. The channels48 may bend at one or more locations, or may be straight.

The flow path cross-section area of the channels 48 is set such thatwhen pressure is applied to a liquid by a pump 172, described later withrespect to FIG. 11, the pressurized liquid flows through the channels48.

A protrusion 50 that projects toward the cartridge 46 is formed at anend portion of each channel 48. As described later, the protrusion 50 isan example of a piercing projection that pierces a bottom-face film 58.

The cartridge 46 is formed with plural liquid reservoirs 52.

Each liquid reservoir 52 is a recess formed in an upper portion of thecartridge 46. Upper faces of the liquid reservoirs 52 are sealed off bya sealing film 54. In the first exemplary embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the plural liquid reservoirs 52 are sealed off by a singlesealing film 54. However, individual sealing films 54 may be providedfor each liquid reservoir 52. It is sufficient that the material of thesealing film 54 seals the liquid sealed in the liquid reservoirs 52 toprevent evaporation of the liquid, and that the sealing film 54 ispierced by a piercing member provided to the analysis device, describedlater. One example of such a material is a laminate film with amulti-layered structure, with one or more of the multi-layered structureincluding, but not limited to, PET.

Communication portions 56 that place the liquid reservoirs 52 incommunication with the channels of the chip 44 are formed in a lowerportion of each of the liquid reservoirs 52. Liquid LA, such as adiluent or a migration liquid, is encapsulated in some of the pluralliquid reservoirs 52. Lower portions of the communication portions 56 ofthe liquid reservoirs 52 encapsulating the liquid are each sealed offusing the bottom-face film 58.

Note that a filter may be provided upstream of a capillary 68, describedlater, in the flow of the liquid in the channels 48 of the chip 44. Sucha filter enables a structure to be achieved in which foreign matterother than the liquid is removed and does not flow into the capillary68.

The capillary 68 is formed between channels 48 that each correspond totwo specific communication portions 56 of two specific liquid reservoirs52 from out of the plural liquid reservoirs 52. The flow pathcross-section area of the capillary 68 is set such that liquid presentin the channels 48 flows through the capillary 68 due to capillaryaction. Accordingly, the flow path cross-section area of the capillary68 is smaller than the flow path cross-section area of any of thechannels 48. Electrodes 62 are provided to the communication portions 56on either side of the capillary 68.

As illustrated in FIG. 21, one side face 46A of the cartridge 46 isformed with side-face holes 64 corresponding to the respectiveelectrodes 62. The side-face holes 64 are holes that reach from one oftwo side faces of the analysis kit 42, such as the one side face 46A, tothe corresponding electrode 62. As described later, a power supply probe194, which is an example of a power supply member, of the analysisdevice 102 is inserted into each side-face hole 64 in the cartridge 46and placed in contact with the electrode 62, enabling a voltage to beapplied between the two electrodes 62.

Note that the one side face 46A and the other side face 46B of thecartridge 46 are the same faces as one side face 42A and the other sideface 42B of the analysis kit 42.

In the first exemplary embodiment, the capillary 68 has a structure inwhich a groove formed in the lower plate 44B is covered by the upperplate 44A. Accordingly, in effect, the capillary 68 is formed in thelower plate 44B of the chip 44.

An insertion hole 70 is formed in the analysis kit 42 (the cartridge 46and the chip 44) from an upper face side, at a location corresponding toan intermediate position of the capillary 68. In the first exemplaryembodiment, part of the insertion hole 70 is also formed in the upperplate 44A of the chip 44.

As shown in FIG. 4, an illumination member 176 of the analysis device102 is inserted into the insertion hole 70. The illumination member 176is a member that illuminates a sample for electrophoresis in thecapillary 68 with light from an illumination portion 176A at the tip ofthe illumination member 176. The illumination portion 176A of theillumination member 176 contacts a bottom 70B of the insertion hole 70.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the chip 44 is formed with a notch 72 on thesame side as the other side face 42B of the analysis kit 42. The notch72 has an isosceles triangle shaped profile in plan view. The notch 72is an example of a recess 71. The notch 72 includes two oblique faces72A, 72B that are oblique with respect to a guide-in direction, asrepresented by arrow D1 direction toward the far side, of the analysiskit 42. A positioning pin 140A, described later, fits into the notch 72.The oblique faces 72A, 72B contact the positioning pin 140A.

The chip 44 is also formed with a notch 73, serving as a recess 71, at aseparate position to that of the notch 72. Unlike the notch 72, thenotch 73 has a substantially trapezoidal profile or rectangular profilein plan view. A positioning pin 140B, described later, fits into thenotch 72. A back face 71D contacts the positioning pin 140B.

As an alternative configuration to that of the notch 72 and the notch 73described above, three or more notches may be provided as recesses 71.Moreover, the profiles of the recesses 71 are not limited to theprofiles of the notch 72 or notch 73. The profiles thereof are notlimited as long as they contact or fit together with contact memberssuch as positioning pins of the analysis device in a combination capableof positioning the analysis kit.

Note that the other side face 46B of the cartridge 46 is formed with anescape portion 46C to avoid contact with the positioning pins 140A,140B. See FIG. 9.

In the analysis kit 42, the cartridge 46 is installed above the chip 44.In this state, claws 74 formed to the cartridge 46 engage with the chip44, thereby integrating the chip 44 and the cartridge 46 into a singleunit. In this integrated state, the cartridge 46 and the chip 44 can befitted together by moving the chip 44 and the cartridge 46 relativelytoward one another. When the chip 44 and the cartridge 46 are in boththe integrated state and the fitted-together state, the external profileof the analysis kit 42 is a substantially rectangular block shape. Thefitted-together state of the chip 44 and the cartridge 46 enablesanalysis of a component in the electrophoresing sample inside thecapillary 68 to be performed.

An operation to fit the chip 44 and the cartridge 46 together may beperformed by an analysis technician, or may be performed in the analysisdevice 102, as described later. In the fitted-together state, thebottom-face films 58 are pierced by the respective protrusions 50located at positions corresponding to the bottom-face films 58. Theprotrusions 50 are an example of piercing projections that pierce thebottom-face films 58 configuring bottom faces of the liquid reservoirs52. However, the piercing projection may have any profile as long as itis a profile capable of breaking the seal of the bottom-face film 58.

An example has been given in which the analysis kit 42 is configured bythe chip 44 and the cartridge 46. However, any profile may be employedas long as it is a profile configured such that one side face is pushedin by a pusher member 128, described later, provided to the analysisdevice 102, and after being pushed in by the pusher member 128, theprofile contacts a contact member at the other side face on the oppositeside to the one side face. For example, there is no limitation to arectangular block shape, and an oval column shape, or a circular columnshape configured with a stepped profile on a given side face, may beemployed. Likewise, although the configuration may include a capillaryprovided inside the analysis kit 42 into which the migration liquid andthe sample are introduced with electrophoresis being induced in thesample, any configuration of analysis kit may be employed that includesa sample capable of being introduced into the analysis device 102 of thepresent application, positioned, and measured. For example, there is nolimitation to an analysis kit employed with an electrophoresis method,and other examples of analysis kits include an analysis kit employed inan electrochemical measurement method, a colorimetric measurementmethod, an immunological measurement method, or the like. Applicationmay be made to any analysis kit for which positioning of the analysiskit in a measurement apparatus is demanded.

Internal Configuration of the Analysis Device

As illustrated in FIG. 5 to FIG. 8, a guide-in section 120 is providedinside the casing 104 of the analysis device 102 shown in FIG. 1 atposition where the tray 118 is loaded. The tray 118 retracts or movestoward the far side into the casing 104 such that an analysis kit 42placed on the tray 118 is guided into the guide-in section 120. Theguide-in section 120 is a location into which the analysis kit 42,provided with the electrodes 62 to induce electrophoresis in the samplein the capillary 68, is guided.

The guide-in section 120 includes a placement section 122, a pressingmember 124 disposed above the placement section 122, and a measurementmember 126. As described later, the measurement member 126 measures acomponent contained in the sample in the analysis kit 42 in a state inwhich the analysis kit 42 has been guided into the guide-in section 120.More specifically, in the first exemplary embodiment, the measurementmember 126 measures a component contained in the sample using a lightshone onto the sample flowing through the capillary 68 of the analysiskit 42. As an example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the measurement member126 includes an optical absorbance sensor 186 and a measurement section190 that identifies the type and amount of a component present in thesample based on data from the optical absorbance sensor 186.

The placement section 122 includes a main portion 122A at apredetermined height as viewed along the depth direction, represented bythe arrow D direction, of the analysis device 102, and a placement mount122B that projects upward at a width direction central portion of themain portion 122A. The analysis kit 42 is placed on the placement mount122B of the placement section 122. An upper face 42T and the channels 48of the analysis kit 42 are horizontal in a state in which the analysiskit 42 has been placed on the placement mount 122B.

As illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, the guide-in section 120 isprovided with the pusher member 128.

A pusher rod 134 is retained in the pusher member 128 by a retentionmechanism, not illustrated in the drawings. The pusher rod 134 iscapable of approaching and retreating from the one side face 46A of theanalysis kit 42. A leading end portion of the pusher rod 134 configuresa pusher portion 134P that contacts and pushes the one side face 46A ofthe analysis kit 42 inward.

A pusher spring not illustrated in the drawings is installed to thepusher rod 134. A pusher motor not illustrated in the drawings pushesthe pusher rod 134 in the arrow P1 direction through the pusher spring,and the pusher portion 134P at the leading end of the pusher rod 134contacts the one side face 46A of the analysis kit 42. In this state,the pusher rod 134 continues moving in the direction toward the analysiskit 42, thus pushing the analysis kit 42 in the arrow P1 direction. Notethat as described later, the chip 44 of the analysis kit 42 contacts thepositioning pins 140A, 140B, and the pusher spring compresses in a statein which movement of the analysis kit 42 in the arrow P1 direction isobstructed. This suppresses the pusher rod 134 from being pushing theanalysis kit 42 too far. The specific configuration of the pusher memberis not limited to that described above, and any configuration may beemployed as long as the configuration is capable of contacting the oneside face 46A of the analysis kit 42 so as to push the analysis kit 42in the arrow P1 direction.

One or plural positioning pins are provided for the analysis kit 42, soas to project upright at the side of the chip 44 formed with the notch72 (the other side face 42B side), namely at the opposite side of thechip 44 to the pusher rod 134. For example, in the first exemplaryembodiment, the two positioning pins 140A, 140B are provided with a gapbetween each other in the depth direction. The positioning pins 140A,140B are examples of protrusions, and are also examples of contactmembers. Moreover, the pusher member 128 and the contact members, suchas positioning pins 140A, 140B, configure together an example of apositioning member that positions the analysis kit 42 at a predeterminedposition.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, both the positioning pins 140A, 140B areformed in circular column shapes with conical leading end portions orupper end portions. Moreover, the heights of the positioning pins 140A,140B reach as high as the lower plate 44B of the analysis kit 42 whenplaced on the placement mount 122B, but do not reach as high as theupper plate 44A. The upper plate 44A is formed smaller than the lowerplate 44B in the vicinity of the position of the positioning pins 140A,140B, such that the positioning pins 140A, 140B would not contact theupper plate 44A even if they were to be formed higher due to dimensionaltolerances.

The positioning pin 140A on the near side is located at a depthdirection, represented by arrow D direction, position corresponding towhere the notch 72 is formed on the chip 44. The positioning pin 140B onthe far side is located at a depth direction, represented by arrow Ddirection, position where the recess 71 is formed, further toward thefar side than the notch 72.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the width direction, represented by arrow Wdirection, positions of the positioning pins 140A, 140B are positionsthat do not contact the analysis kit 42 in a state in which the analysiskit 42 has simply been guided into the guide-in section 120. However,when the analysis kit 42 is pushed in the arrow P1 direction by thepusher rod 134, the lower plate 44B of the chip 44 contacts thepositioning pins 140A, 140B, thereby positioning the analysis kit 42 inthe width direction.

Note that when either of the two oblique faces 72A, 72B of the notch 72makes contact with the positioning pin 140A, the analysis kit 42 alsomoves in the depth direction. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 8, both theoblique faces 72A, 72B are thereby positioned at positions contactingthe positioning pin 140A.

The configuration of the contact members and protrusions is not limitedto that described above, and any configuration may be employed in whichcontact is made with the side of the analysis kit 42 formed with therecesses 71, i.e. the other side face 42B side, when the analysis kit 42is pushed and moved in the arrow P1 direction, so as to position theanalysis kit 42 in the width direction. In particular, contact membersand protrusions may be configured with any profile that corresponds tothe profile of the analysis kit, and the contact members are preferablyconfigured by protrusions. Configuring the contact members asprotrusions enables a structure to be achieved in which the analysis kitreliably contacts the protruding portions or projecting portions.Contact members configured by protrusions are more preferably pins thatproject from the placement section on which the analysis kit is placed.The positioning pins 140A, 140B are an example of this configuration.The protrusions can be configured by a simple structure in a structurein which the protrusions are pins.

As also illustrated in FIG. 10, the pressing member 124 is providedabove the placement section 122. The pressing member 124 includes anopposing wall 142 that opposes the upper face of the analysis kit 42when the analysis kit 42 has been guided into the guide-in section 120.The opposing wall 142 is moved vertically by a vertical drive mechanism144.

In the first exemplary embodiment, the vertical drive mechanism 144includes an elevator motor 148, driven under the control of a controller146. Drive force of the elevator motor 148 acts on the opposing wall 142through a spring, not illustrated in the drawings, so as to raise andlower the opposing wall 142.

Driving the elevator motor 148 lowers the opposing wall 142 via thespring, such that the opposing wall 142 contacts the upper face 42T ofthe analysis kit 42. This is a structure in which the non-illustratedspring would compress were driving of the elevator motor 148 to becontinued after making contact, and the opposing wall 142 would notdescend any further. A structure is thereby achieved in which theopposing wall 142 does not press the analysis kit 42 excessively.

The opposing wall 142 includes a wall body 160 that has a predeterminedrigidity, and a close contact sheet 162 affixed to a lower face of thewall body 160. The close contact sheet 162 has a lower modulus ofelasticity than both the wall body 160 and the cartridge 46 of theanalysis kit 42, and therefore elastically deforms readily when appliedwith external force.

Namely, in a state in which the opposing wall 142 has been pushed intoward the analysis kit 42, the close contact sheet 162 is elasticallycompressed in its thickness direction (the vertical direction) to agreater degree than the wall body 160 and the cartridge 46. Accordingly,as illustrated in FIG. 16, when the opposing wall 142 descends, theclose contact sheet 162 makes close contact with the upper face 42T ofthe analysis kit 42. The opposing wall 142 is also an example of a closecontact portion.

In particular, the analysis kit 42 of the first exemplary embodimentincludes the plural liquid reservoirs 52. The single close contact sheet162 corresponding to the plural liquid reservoirs 52 makes close contactwith the upper face 42T of the analysis kit 42. The analysis kit 42 canaccordingly be pressed and gripped between the opposing wall 142 and theplacement section 122 in the height direction of the analysis kit 42,namely the direction in which the chip 44 and the cartridge 46 aresuperimposed on each other.

The wall body 160 is provided with plural piercing pins 164,corresponding to each of the respective liquid reservoirs 52. Thepiercing pins 164 are an example of piercing members. Each of thepiercing pins 164 projects downward further than the close contact sheet162. The piercing pins 164 are capable of piercing the sealing film 54at the corresponding liquid reservoirs 52 when the opposing wall 142descends.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, in a state in which the analysis kit 42 hasbeen pressed by the pressing member 124 and the close contact sheet 162has made close contact with the upper face 42T of the analysis kit 42,lower ends of the respective piercing pins 164 are positioned furthertoward the lower side than the sealing film 54, namely within thecorresponding liquid reservoirs 52. Gaps GP are formed between holes HPformed by the piercing pins 164 and the piercing pins 164.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, for example, bent portions 165 are formed atthe leading ends of piercing pins 164 corresponding to the liquidreservoirs 52 in which liquid has been encapsulated in advance out ofthe plural liquid reservoirs 52. For example, these are the piercingpins 164A, 164E in the example of FIG. 10; however, there is nolimitation thereto. At the bent portions 165, the piercing pins 164 arebent in a direction intersecting the pressing direction of the pressingmember 124, i.e. the downward direction. For example, the piercing pins164 having the bent portions 165 are intersecting at approximately 90°in the example of FIG. 10. The piercing pins 164 formed with the bentportions 165 are able to pierce a larger hole in the sealing film 54than piercing pins 164 not formed with the bent portions 165, resultingin a larger gap GP formed between the hole HP and the piercing pin 164.

Spacing recesses 166 indented toward the upper side are formed on theopposing wall 142 (the close contact sheet 162 and the wall body 160)with profiles that surround the piercing pins 164. Namely, the opposingwall 142, this being an example of a close contact portion, is formedwith the spacing recesses 166. The spacing recesses 166 are portionswhere the opposing wall 142 is locally indented in a direction away fromthe liquid reservoirs 52 at the periphery of the piercing pins 164. Dueto the presence of the spacing recesses 166, airtight spaces 168 areformed between the respective liquid reservoirs 52 and the opposing wall142. This configuration, in which the spacing recesses 166 of theanalysis device 102 and the upper face of the analysis kit 42 areutilized to form the airtight spaces 168 between the periphery oflocations pierced by the piercing members and the analysis kit 42,results in an airtight member. Of course, the profile of the airtightspaces and method for forming the airtight spaces, as well as theprofile of the airtight member, may be modified as appropriate inaccordance with the profiles of the analysis device 102 and the analysiskit 42.

The opposing wall 142 is provided with gas introduction tubes 170,serving as an example of gas introduction members, corresponding to therespective spacing recesses 166. A lower end of each gas introductiontube 170 configures a gas port 170A through which a fluid enters andleaves the airtight spaces 168. In the first exemplary embodiment, theposition of the lower end of each of the plural gas introduction tubes170, namely the position of each of the gas ports 170A, is the sameposition as that of an upper face 166T of the corresponding spacingrecess 166. A structure is thereby configured in which the gas port 170Aof the gas introduction tube 170 is positioned at the airtight space 168but does not project into the corresponding spacing recess 166.

The pump 172 is connected to the gas introduction tubes 170. Driving thepump 172 enables air to be fed into the airtight spaces 168, or to besucked out of the airtight spaces 168. Note that a single pump 172 maybe provided with a branching configuration so as to be common to theplural gas introduction tubes 170. In such cases, the structure may beconfigured with valves, not illustrated in the drawings, to switch theair flow path to a desired gas introduction tube 170.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the gas introduction tubes 170 and thepiercing pins 164 are offset from each other in the horizontaldirection, which is at least one direction out of the depth direction orthe width direction. Namely, the gas ports 170A of the gas introductiontubes 170 are at positions offset from the locations, i.e., the holesHP, in the film surface of the sealing film 54 pierced by the piercingpins 164.

The piercing pins 164 described above are one example of a piercingmember. The piercing members may have any profile capable of piercingthe sealing film 54 at the upper face of the liquid reservoirs 52 in theanalysis kit 42. The gas introduction tubes 170 described above are oneexample of a gas introduction member, which may have any profile capableof introducing gas to the airtight spaces. Note that in the firstexemplary embodiment, the piercing members are separate members to thegas introduction members. Both have profiles capable of suppressingliquid from the liquid reservoirs 52 from adhering to the gasintroduction members through which gas enters the liquid reservoirs 52of the analysis kit 42, and profiles capable of suppressing liquid fromthe liquid reservoirs 52 from flowing into the gas ports.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the opposing wall 142 is formed with athrough hole 174. An illumination member 176 is inserted through thethrough hole 174. Light emitted from a light emitting section, notillustrated in the drawings, is guided to the illumination member 176through an optical fiber or the like. The illumination member 176 is amember that illuminates this light through an illumination portion 176Aat a leading end thereof. In effect, the illumination member 176 mayconfigure part of the optical fiber. Note that an LED chip that emitslight in a predetermined wavelength region, an optical filter, a lens,and the like may be provided, and the light emitting section may have aprofile provided with a slit or the like.

The illumination member 176 is inserted through the through hole 174,thereby suppressing horizontal direction misalignment of theillumination member 176 with respect to the opposing wall 142.

The position of the through hole 174 is a position corresponding to theinsertion hole 70 in the analysis kit 42 when positioned at thepredetermined position in the guide-in section 120. The externaldiameter of the illumination member 176 is smaller than the internaldiameter of the through hole 174. This achieves a structure in which theillumination member 176 can be inserted into the insertion hole 70. Alower side portion of the illumination member 176 configures aprojection 176T that projects to the lower side of the close contactsheet 162.

A limiting plate 178 that is broader than the through hole 174 isattached to an upper portion of the illumination member 176, namely onthe opposite side of the illumination member 176 to the side projectingfrom the pressing member 124. The limiting plate 178 is an example of alimiting member that limits the projection amount of the projection 176Ttoward the analysis kit to within a specific range. The limiting plate178 may have any profile as long as it has a limiting function. One orplural support columns 180 project upward from the opposing wall 142,the support columns 180 penetrating the limiting plate 178.

A leading end of each support column 180 is formed with an opposingplate 182 that is broader than the support column 180. The limitingplate 178 is positioned between the opposing wall 142 and the opposingplates 182. The limiting plate 178 is capable of moving vertically whilebeing guided by the support columns 180, with the range of this verticalmovement limited to between the opposing wall 142 and the opposing plate182. This thereby enables a projection range of the projection 176T,being the projection length from the opposing wall 142, to be limited towithin a predetermined range, thus enabling the projection 176T to besuppressed from projecting excessively from the opposing wall 142. Theopposing wall 142 and the opposing plates 182 form a pair so as tooppose the limiting plate 178 from both sides in an approach/retreatdirection of the projection 176T. Namely, the opposing wall 142 and theopposing plates 182 are an example of a pair of opposing members. Theopposing wall 142 also doubles as a portion of an opposing member.Accordingly, the opposing wall 142 is configured from fewer componentsthan in a structure in which an opposing member is configured by aseparate member.

A spring 184 is interposed between the limiting plate 178 and eachopposing plate 182. Biasing force of the springs 184 biases theillumination member 176 downward via the limiting plate 178. The springs184 that apply this biasing force are an example of biasing members thatbias the projection 176T in its direction of projection from thepressing member 124. Any profile that achieves such a biasing functionmay be adopted for the biasing member. Accordingly, the projection 176Tof the illumination member 176 can be maintained in a state projectingby a predetermined projection amount from the opposing wall 142. Therange of downward movement of the projection 176T is limited to apredetermined range due to the limiting plate 178 contacting theopposing wall 142, as illustrated in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, in a state in which the limiting plate 178 isin contact with the opposing wall 142, a maximum value of a projectionlength TL of the projection 176T is longer than a depth SD of theinsertion hole 70.

Accordingly, when the opposing wall 142 descends and the illuminationmember 176 is inserted into the insertion hole 70, the illuminationportion 176A at the leading end of the illumination member 176 contactsthe bottom 70B of the insertion hole 70. In this manner, theillumination member 176 and the limiting plate 178 descend whilemaintaining a constant positional relationship with the opposing wall142 until the illumination portion 176A contacts the bottom 70B.

If the opposing wall 142 attempts to move further downward when in thisstate, due to the presence of a gap between the limiting plate 178 andthe opposing plates 182, the illumination member 176 does not movedownward even though the opposing wall 142 does move downward (whilecompressing the springs 184) so as to reduce this gap. See FIG. 16.

In the first exemplary embodiment, the direction in which the analysiskit 42 is pressed by the pressing member 124 (the direction in which theopposing wall 142 approaches the analysis kit 42), is the same directionas the direction in which the illumination member 176 approaches theanalysis kit 42. A movement trajectory of the pressing member 124partially coincides with a movement trajectory of the illuminationmember, enabling these members to be disposed within a smaller amount ofspace than in a structure in which these movement trajectories areentirely discrete from one another.

The optical absorbance sensor 186 is provided to the guide-in section120 at a position below the insertion hole 70 when the analysis kit 42has been set at the predetermined position. Light from the illuminationmember 176 is illuminated onto the electrophoresing sample in thecapillary 68, and the measurement member 126 takes a measurement basedon light transmitted through the sample. For example, the opticalabsorbance sensor 186 detects optical absorbance based on thistransmitted light. As another example, a measurement member may beprovided with a photodiode, a photo-IC, or the like.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, plural tilt detection rods 188, serving as anexample of a tilt detection section, are attached to the opposing wall142. The tilt detection section is a member that detects tilt of theanalysis kit 42 with respect to the horizontal direction, specifically,whether or not such tilt is present, when the analysis kit 42 has beenguided into the guide-in section 120. Such tilt can be detected both incases in which tilt is present in the width direction, as illustrated inFIG. 12, and in cases in which tilt is present in the depth direction,as illustrated in FIG. 13. Each of the tilt detection rods 188 isretained so as to be capable of moving vertically with respect to theopposing wall 142.

As illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, the position of a lower end of eachtilt detection rod 188 is a position that does not contact the analysiskit 42 in a state in which the analysis kit 42 has been introduced tothe guide-in section 120 and is not tilted. However, as illustrated inFIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the positions of the lower ends of the tiltdetection rods 188 are set to predetermined positions such that thelower ends of one or more of the tilt detection rods 188 contact theanalysis kit 42 in cases in which the analysis kit 42 is tilted. Whenthe opposing wall 142 descends further in a state in which a tiltdetection rod 188 has contacted the analysis kit 42, the tilt detectionrod 188 moves upward relative to the opposing wall 142. When thecontroller 146 detects such upward movement of the tilt detection rod188, the controller 146 determines the analysis kit 42 to be tilted andis able to perform predetermined processing.

As illustrated in FIG. 5 to FIG. 8, the power supply probes 194 projectinto the guide-in section 120 at locations corresponding to the pluralside-face holes 64 in the analysis kit 42. Each power supply probe 194is driven by a motor, not illustrated in the drawings, controlled by thecontroller 146, so as to approach or retreat from the one side face 46Aof the analysis kit 42.

The power supply probes 194 are an example of a power supply member.Each of the plural power supply probes 194 approaches the one side face46A of the analysis kit 42 and is inserted into the correspondingside-face hole 64 so as to contact the respective electrode 62.

The respective power supply probes 194 are positioned on one side of theanalysis kit 42 that has been retained at the predetermined position inthe guide-in section 120, but are not present anywhere other than thisside. Accordingly, a structure is achieved in which various members canbe disposed at positions that avoid the power supply probes 194. Forexample, the pressing member 124 is disposed above the analysis kit 42,thereby suppressing interference between the pressing member 124 and thepower supply probes 194. Moreover, the placement section 122 is disposedbelow the analysis kit 42, thereby suppressing interference between thepower supply probes 194 and the placement section 122. Note that theprofile of the power supply member is not particularly limited as longas power can be supplied to the electrodes 62.

Next, explanation follows regarding operation of the analysis device 102of the first exemplary embodiment, and a method for analyzing acomponent contained in a sample in the analysis kit 42.

First, some of the channels 48 of the analysis kit 42 are filled with asample, such as blood in the first exemplary embodiment.

A predetermined input operation is performed using the touch panel ofthe analysis device 102 so as to move the opening/closing cover 114toward the near side and to expose the tray 118, as illustrated by thedouble-dotted dashed lines in FIG. 1.

In a state in which an analysis kit 42 containing a sample has beenplaced on the tray 118, the tray 118 and the opening/closing cover 114are pushed (or a predetermined operation is performed using thenon-illustrated touch panel of the analysis device 102) so as to movethe tray 118 toward the far side. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 5,the analysis kit 42 is guided into the guide-in section 120. Theanalysis kit 42 is placed on the placement mount 122B of the placementsection 122.

The analysis device 102 includes the tilt detection section. In thisstate, the analysis device 102 detects any tilt of the analysis kit 42using the tilt detection section. Specifically, the controller 146drives the elevator motor 148 to cause the opposing wall 142 of thepressing member 124 to descend to a predetermined position.

When this is performed, in cases in which the analysis kit 42 is tiltedas illustrated in FIG. 12 or FIG. 13, one or more of the plural tiltdetection rods 188 contact the analysis kit 42. In such cases, thecontroller 146 halts driving of the elevator motor 148, and performspredetermined processing in response to the fact that the analysis kit42 is tilted. The “predetermined processing” referred to here includes,for example, processing to temporarily halt component analysis frombeing performed on the sample, and to notify a technician that theanalysis kit 42 is tilted.

Providing the plural tilt detection rods 188 enables the tilt detectionprecision to be suppressed from deteriorating according to the tiltdirection or the tilt amount (tilt angle) of the analysis kit 42.

The structure of the tilt detection section used to detect tilt of theanalysis kit 42 is not limited to that described above. For example, astructure may be employed in which light is illuminated onto theanalysis kit 42 from plural locations in order to detect tilt.

In cases in which the analysis kit 42 is not tilted, including cases inwhich any tilt is within a permissible range, the controller 146performs positioning of the analysis kit 42 by executing positioning ina positioning direction. Note that the state when positioning isperformed is, as illustrated in FIG. 6, a state in which the notch 72 ofthe analysis kit 42 and the positioning pin 140A are not in contact witheach other, and the recess 71 and the positioning pin 140B are not incontact with each other.

The controller 146 drives the pusher motor, not illustrated in thedrawings, such that the pusher rod 134 pushes the one side face 46A ofthe analysis kit 42. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8,the chip 44 of the analysis kit 42 contacts the positioning pins 140A,140B. This thereby positions the analysis kit 42 at the predeterminedposition.

In particular, in the first exemplary embodiment, the height of thepositioning pin 140A reaches the height of the lower plate 44B of thechip 44, but does not reach the height of the upper plate 44A. The lowerplate 44B of the chip 44 contacts the positioning pins 140A, 140B,thereby positioning the analysis kit 42. Due to the capillary 68 beingformed in the lower plate 44B of the chip 44, this in effect enablesaccurate positioning of the capillary 68.

The chip 44 is formed with the notch 72. When the analysis kit 42approaches the positioning pin 140A, either the oblique face 72A or theoblique face 72B contacts the positioning pin 140A, and as the analysiskit 42 is pushed further in, the analysis kit 42 is also moved in thedepth direction. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the analysis kit 42 is thuspositioned at a position where both the oblique face 72A and the obliqueface 72B contact the positioning pin 140A. Namely, the analysis kit 42is positioned not only in the width direction but also in the depthdirection, which is the direction of guiding into the guide-in section120.

In this state, the positioning pin 140A fits together with the notch 72,and the positioning pin 140B fits together with the notch 73, therebysuppressing positional misalignment in the depth direction when theanalysis kit 42 is in a positioned state.

Next, the controller 146 drives the elevator motor 148 to cause theopposing wall 142 to descend. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 14,the illumination member 176 also descends so as to approach the analysiskit 42. The analysis kit 42 has already been positioned at thepredetermined position, thereby positioning the insertion hole 70. Theillumination member 176 is thus inserted into the insertion hole 70without contacting the upper face 42T of the analysis kit 42.

Then, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the illumination portion 176A at thelower end of the illumination member 176 contacts the bottom 70B of theinsertion hole 70. Even if the elevator motor 148 continues to be drivenin this state, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the illumination member 176and the limiting plate 178 do not descend any further, thereby enablingthe illumination portion 176A of the illumination member 176 to besuppressed from sustaining damage as a result of being pushed hardagainst the bottom 70B.

When the opposing wall 142 descends, the plural piercing pins 164 piercethe sealing film 54 at the corresponding liquid reservoirs 52. The closecontact sheet 162 then makes close contact with the upper face 42T ofthe analysis kit 42.

In this state, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the airtight spaces 168 areformed at each of the plural liquid reservoirs 52 between the peripheryof the locations pierced by the piercing pins 164 and the analysis kit42. The close contact sheet 162 makes close contact in a state offace-against-face contact with the upper face 42T of the analysis kit42, thereby enabling the airtight state of the airtight spaces 168 to bemore reliably maintained than, for example, in a structure in which aclose contact member makes line contact therewith.

Moreover, in this state, the analysis kit 42 is sandwiched from aboveand below between the pressing member 124 and the placement section 122on which the analysis kit 42 has been placed, such that the cartridge 46and the chip 44 are fitted together. Moreover, as illustrated in FIG.17, since the bottom-face films 58 corresponding to the respectiveprotrusions 50 are pierced, liquid is capable of flowing out downwardfrom the liquid reservoirs 52 where the bottom-face film 58 has beenpierced. Note that the cartridge 46 and the chip 44 make close contactin the vertical direction, thereby suppressing the formation of gapsbetween the cartridge 46 and the chip 44 where liquid would leak outfrom the liquid reservoirs 52 where the bottom-face film 58 has beenpierced.

The analysis kit 42 is pressed by the pressing member 124 and retainedbetween the placement section 122 and the pressing member 124, therebysuppressing positional misalignment of the analysis kit 42. In the firstexemplary embodiment, since the analysis kit 42 is positioned bypositioning members, the analysis kit 42 can be retained in a positionedstate by pressing the analysis kit 42 with the pressing member 124.

Moreover, even in a structure in which a large amount of force isrequired to fit the cartridge 46 and the chip 44 together, the cartridge46 and the chip 44 can be reliably fitted together since the analysiskit 42 is sandwiched and pressed between the placement section 122 andthe pressing member 124. Moreover, the analysis kit 42 can be pressed bythe pressing member 124 while maintaining an inserted state of theillumination member 176 into the insertion hole 70.

Note that the controller 146 drives the pump 172, such that gas issupplied into or sucked out from a specific liquid reservoir 52 at apredetermined timing. See FIG. 11. The gaps GP are formed between thepiercing pins 164 and the sealing film 54 at the locations pierced bythe piercing pins 164, permitting the movement of air passing throughthe gaps GP between the airtight spaces 168 and the corresponding liquidreservoirs 52.

As an example, first, as illustrated in FIG. 17, air is introduced orforced into one of the liquid reservoirs 52, such as the liquidreservoir 52 on the left side in FIG. 17. The sample is thereby dilutedand agitated by the liquid LA, and fed to another liquid reservoir 52through a specific channel 48.

Then, as illustrated in FIG. 18, air is, for example, introduced orforced into a different liquid reservoir 52, such as the liquidreservoir 52 on the right side in FIG. 18. The liquid LA in this liquidreservoir 52 thus fills the channel 48 connected to this liquidreservoir 52. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the liquid fills thecapillary 68 as a result of capillary action.

The piercing pins 164 that pierce the sealing film 54 are separatemembers to the gas introduction tubes 170 that introduce gas or fluid tothe airtight spaces 168. Moreover, the gas ports 170A at the lower endsof the gas introduction tubes 170 are positioned within thecorresponding airtight spaces 168. Accordingly, the liquid in the liquidreservoirs 52 is suppressed from entering the interior of the gasintroduction tubes 170. For example, diluted sample from a previoussample analysis is suppressed from remaining inside the gas introductiontubes 170, thereby suppressing a situation from arising in which suchremaining diluted sample mixes with a diluted sample from the currentanalysis.

Moreover, in the first exemplary embodiment, the gas ports 170A arepositioned offset from the locations of the film surface of the sealingfilm 54 that are pierced by the piercing pins 164. Accordingly, theliquid in the liquid reservoirs 52 can be suppressed from flowing intothe gas ports 170A even if the liquid were to pass through the gapbetween a piercing pin 164 and the sealing film 54 and enter theairtight space 168.

Moreover, since the gas ports 170A are separated from the piercedlocations, even were a fragment of a member configuring the sealing film54 to break off when the sealing film 54 is pierced by the piercing pins164, such a fragment can be suppressed from entering a gas port 170A.

Next, the controller 146 drives the pusher motor, not illustrated in thedrawings, such that the power supply probes 194 approach the one sideface 46A of the analysis kit 42, as illustrated in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21.The power supply probes 194 are inserted into the correspondingside-face holes 64, and contact the electrodes 62. At this stage, theanalysis kit 42 has already been positioned in the depth direction.Namely, the analysis kit 42 has already been positioned in a directionintersecting the direction in which the power supply probes 194 approachthe analysis kit 42, a direction orthogonal thereto in the example ofFIG. 21. Accordingly, the leading ends of the power supply probes 194are reliably inserted into the side-face holes 64, without touching theone side face 46A of the analysis kit 42.

In this state, the controller 146 applies a predetermined voltagebetween the electrodes 62 via the power supply probes 194, asillustrated in FIG. 22. This induces electrophoresis in the componentpresent in the sample in the capillary 68. Moreover, when this isperformed, the controller 146 causes light to be illuminated from theillumination portion 176A of the illumination member 176. The opticalabsorbance of the electrophoresing diluted sample is detected by theoptical absorbance sensor 186 in order to measure the component presentin the sample.

The illumination portion 176A of the illumination member 176 is incontact with the bottom 70B of the insertion hole 70 when this is beingperformed. Namely, the illumination portion 176A is at a position ashort distance from the capillary 68, and this distance is keptconstant. This thereby enables light to be illuminated onto theelectrophoresing sample within the capillary 68 in a stable manner.

Moreover, since the analysis kit 42 is sandwiched between the opposingwall 142 of the pressing member 124 and the placement section 122 so asto be retained at the predetermined position, the position of theanalysis kit 42 is stable. Since the capillary 68 is formed in the chip44 of the analysis kit 42, the position of the capillary 68 is alsostable. This thereby enables analysis of the component present in thesample to be performed more accurately.

After completion of analysis of the component present in the sample, thecontroller 146 withdraws the power supply probes 194 from the side-faceholes 64, and raises the opposing wall 142, such that the analysisdevice 102 is no longer pressed, and moreover the illumination member176 is removed from the insertion hole 70. Moreover, the pusher rod 134is retracted and separated from the analysis device 102.

The opening/closing cover 114 and the tray 118 are then moved toward thenear side, permitting removal of the analysis kit 42. The analysis kit42 is disposable once analysis has been completed.

In the first exemplary embodiment, the analysis kit 42 is packaged withthe measurement target sample and the liquids necessary for measurement,such as a diluent LA and a migration liquid LA, are housed therein.There is therefore no need to set up the analysis device 102 in advancewith liquids required for measurement, and there is no need for astorage section to temporarily store such liquids, nor for a pump or thelike to feed these liquids to the measurement site. This thereby enablesthe analysis device 102 to be simplified in structure and made morecompact.

In the above explanation, the rod-shaped positioning pins 140A, 140B aregiven as an example of contact members; however, there is no limitationto such rod-shaped pins. For example, contact members may be configuredby plate shaped members. Employing rod-shaped pins as the contactmembers enables the contact members to be disposed in a smaller spacethan would be possible in the case of plate shaped members. Providingplural of the rod-shaped pins enables the analysis kit 42 contacted bythe pins to be better suppressed from rotating than in a configurationin which only a single rod-shaped pin is provided, thereby enablingstable positioning.

Second to Fourth Exemplary Embodiments, Reference Example

Explanation follows regarding a second to a fourth exemplary embodiment,and a reference example. In the following exemplary embodiments and inthe reference example, the overall configuration of the analysis deviceis similar to that of the first exemplary embodiment, and detailedexplanation thereof is therefore omitted. Elements, members, and so onsimilar to those of the first exemplary embodiment are allocated thesame reference numerals, and detailed explanation thereof is omitted.

In an analysis device 202 of a second exemplary embodiment, illustratedin FIG. 23, the lower end portions of the gas introduction tubes 170 areconfigured by projections 170B projecting further downward than upperfaces 166T of spacing recesses 166. The lower end portions of the gasintroduction tubes 170 also configure leading end portions thereof thatcontain the gas ports 170A.

In the second exemplary embodiment, the lower end portion of each gasintroduction tube 170 projects out. Accordingly, even were liquid thathad flowed into an airtight space 168 to move toward the gasintroduction tube 170 along the upper face 166T, the liquid would beblocked by the gas introduction tube 170 itself, thereby enabling theliquid to be suppressed from flowing into the gas port 170A.

In an analysis device 302 of a third exemplary embodiment, illustratedin FIG. 24, a wall member 196 is formed extending downward from theupper face 166T of each spacing recess 166. The wall member 196 ispositioned between the piercing pin 164 and the gas introduction tube170. The position of a lower end of the wall member 196 is a positionthat does not contact the sealing film 54, such that a gap is formedbetween the lower end of the wall member 196 and the sealing film 54.

In the third exemplary embodiment, due to the presence of such a wallmember 196, even were liquid that had flowed into an airtight space 168to move toward the gas introduction tube 170 along the upper face 166T,the liquid would be blocked by the wall member 196. This thereby enablesthe liquid to be suppressed from flowing into the gas port 170A. Theprofile of the wall member 196 is not limited, as long as the wallmember 196 is positioned between a piercing member, for example, thepiercing pin 164, and a gas introduction member, for example, the gasintroduction tube 170. Namely, the movement of liquid along the upperface 166T toward the gas introduction tube 170 inside the airtight space168 can be blocked regardless of the profile of the wall member.

An analysis device 402 of a fourth exemplary embodiment, illustrated inFIG. 25, has a structure in which a structure of the second exemplaryembodiment is combined with a structure of the third exemplaryembodiment in which formation of the wall members 196. The configurationin which the projections 170B are provided at the lower end portions ofthe gas introduction tubes 170 is shown in FIG. 25. Accordingly, in thefourth exemplary embodiment, liquid that has flowed into an airtightspace 168 can be even more reliably suppressed from flowing into the gasport 170A.

FIG. 26 illustrates part of an analysis device 502 of the referenceexample. In the structure illustrated in FIG. 26, the gas introductiontubes 170 perform a dual function as the piercing pins 164, enabling thesealing film 54 to be pierced by the leading ends of the gasintroduction tubes 170. Moreover, the gas ports 170A are formed in sidefaces of the gas introduction tubes 170 so as to be positioned above thesealing film 54, namely within the airtight spaces 168.

The gas ports 170A are not positioned in the liquid reservoirs 52 evenin the structure of the reference example. This enables liquid from theliquid reservoirs 52 to be suppressed from flowing into the gas ports170A.

In the first aspect, the pressing member presses the analysis kit placedon the placement section to sandwich the analysis kit between thepressing member and the placement section. This thereby enables the chipof the analysis kit and the cartridge superimposed on the chip to befitted together reliably. Moreover, in a fitted-together state of thechip and the cartridge, the component present in the sample in theanalysis kit can be measured by the measurement member.

A second aspect is the first aspect, wherein a piercing projection topierce a bottom-face film configuring a bottom face of the liquidreservoir is provided to the chip in the analysis kit. Moreover,pressing the pressing member against the analysis kit causes the chipand the cartridge to approach each other such that the bottom-face filmis pierced by the piercing projection.

The pressing member presses the analysis kit, causing the chip and thecartridge to approach each other, such that the bottom-face film of theliquid reservoir in the cartridge is ruptured by the piercing projectionof the chip. This thereby enables the bottom-face film to be pierced bythe simple operation of pressing the analysis kit with the pressingmember.

A third aspect is either the first aspect or the second aspect, furtherincluding a piercing member to pierce a sealing film configuring anupper face of the liquid reservoir. Moreover, pressing by the pressingmember causes the sealing film to be pierced by the piercing member.

The sealing film configuring the upper face of the liquid reservoir canbe pierced by the piercing member by the simple operation of pressingthe analysis kit with the pressing member.

A fourth aspect is the third aspect, wherein the pressing memberincludes an airtight member and a gas introduction member. The airtightmember forms an airtight space against the liquid reservoir at theperiphery of a location pierced by the piercing member, and the gasintroduction member introduces gas into the airtight space.

The airtight member forms the airtight space at the periphery of thepierced location. When the gas introduction member introduces gas, forexample air, into the airtight space, the gas flows into the liquidreservoir through a through hole at the pierced location of the sealingfilm. This thereby enables the pressure of the liquid reservoir to beincreased or reduced.

A fifth aspect is the fourth aspect, wherein the airtight member makesface-to-face contact with the analysis kit.

This enables an airtight state of the airtight space to be reliablymaintained, enabling air to be suppressed from moving between theinterior and the exterior of the airtight space.

A sixth aspect is the fifth aspect, wherein the airtight member isformed from a material that has a lower modulus of elasticity than thatof the analysis kit.

The airtight member is elastically compressed so as to make closecontact with the analysis kit, enabling a close contact state to bereliably maintained, and enabling damage to the analysis kit to besuppressed.

A seventh aspect is any one of the third aspect to the sixth aspect,further including a bent portion that is provided at a leading end sideof the piercing member and that is bent in a direction intersecting adirection in which the analysis kit is pressed.

The bent portion at the leading end of the piercing member is bent in adirection intersecting the direction in which the analysis kit ispressed. This thereby enables a hole with a larger openingcross-sectional area to be formed in the sealing film than whenemploying a piercing member with a structure lacking the bent portion.

What is claimed is:
 1. An analyzer into which is placed an analysis kitincluding a chip provided with a capillary through which a sample flowsand a cartridge superimposed on the chip and provided with a liquidreservoir, and in which a component present in sample can be measured ina state in which the chip and the cartridge have been fitted together,the analyzer comprising: a placement section configured to support theanalysis kit; a presser configured to press the analysis kit supportedon the placement section in a direction in which the cartridge issuperimposed on the chip to sandwich the analysis kit between thepresser and the placement section, and to fit the chip and the cartridgetogether; and a measurer configured to measure the component present inthe sample in the analysis kit in which the chip and the cartridge havebeen fitted together.
 2. The analyzer of claim 1, wherein: the chip inthe analysis kit further comprises a piercing projection configured topierce a bottom-face film configuring a bottom face of the liquidreservoir; and the presser is configured such that pressing the presseragainst the analysis kit causes the chip and the cartridge to approacheach other such that the bottom-face film is pierced by the piercingprojection.
 3. The analyzer of claim 1, further comprising a piercingpin configured to pierce a sealing film configuring an upper face of theliquid reservoir, wherein: the presser is configured to cause thesealing film to be pierced by the piercing member by pressing thepresser.
 4. The analyzer of claim 2, further comprising a piercing pinconfigured to pierce a sealing film configuring an upper face of theliquid reservoir, wherein: the presser is configured to cause thesealing film to be pierced by the piercing member by pressing thepresser.
 5. The analyzer of claim 3, wherein the presser includes: anairtight member configured to form an airtight space against the liquidreservoir at the periphery of a location pierced by the piercing member;and a gas introduction member configured to introduce gas into theairtight space.
 6. The analyzer of claim 5, wherein the airtight membermakes face-to-face contact with the analysis kit.
 7. The analyzer ofclaim 5, wherein the airtight member is formed from a material that hasa lower modulus of elasticity than that of the analysis kit.
 8. Theanalyzer of claim 6, wherein the airtight member is formed from amaterial that has a lower modulus of elasticity than that of theanalysis kit.
 9. The analyzer of claim 3, further comprising a bentportion that is provided at a leading end side of the piercing memberand that is bent in a direction intersecting a direction in which theanalysis kit is pressed.
 10. The analyzer of claim 5, further comprisinga bent portion that is provided at a leading end side of the piercingmember and that is bent in a direction intersecting a direction in whichthe analysis kit is pressed.
 11. The analyzer of claim 6, furthercomprising a bent portion that is provided at a leading end side of thepiercing member and that is bent in a direction intersecting a directionin which the analysis kit is pressed.